Management Update
Board Chair Tricia Glass would like to advise the Yackandandah Community of the appointment of John Parkes as CEO.
John has had extensive experience in aged care coupled with a background in law, commerce and pastoral care. John brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our organisation particularly at a time of such rapid and diverse growth and change. John looks forward to getting out and about in the Yack community when restrictions allow.
Update from CEO
Yack Health continues to adopt a cautious approach with COVID-19 pandemic. We are following Government guidelines and directives. Considering the rapidly changing environment and particularly the potential impact on aged care homes, it may be necessary for us to make changes to visits without a lot of notice. We apologise for this in advance but know you will understand our situation here.
Restrictions are increasing and at the writing of this article we are now only able to accept 1 visitor at a time for 15 minutes. Sadly, no children under the age of 18 years are permitted to visit. There will be special consideration for Palliation residents. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions regarding these arrangements.
We understand how difficult these restrictions are and that you will be missing spending time with your loved ones. We will continue to keep our families informed via regular email updates.
We are happy to discuss any ideas or resources you may have that can assist our residents during this challenging time.
Keeping in Touch – from a Distance
Our residents and families continue to work through the challenges of the restrictions, making the most of visits and in-house activities. Our wonderful Activities staff – made up of Jenny, Tracey and Belinda – have been hooking up many of our families via Skype, Facetime or Zoom.
Hazel fills in some of her spare time working on a jigsaw puzzles on the computer, as well as pottering in her garden. As the cooler weather has brought Hazel in from her much loved garden, Hazel, at 105 years, also uses the computer to play Solitaire, recording her score daily to try to better her PB ! Go Hazel!
Pictured at right is one of our cherished residents, Hazel Fox, who joined us in 2006.
Our resident walking group regularly catch up – either walking inside during the inclement winter weather doing laps of the hallways and surrounds, or taking advantage of the many lovely sunny days of late.
Pictured is resi Flo Thompson who can be seen regularly enjoying a walk outside and around the facility. Flo joined us from Mitta Mitta last year and tells us she “enjoys her exercise and keeping busy”.
A “Christmas in July” celebration was enjoyed by our residents on the 21st July, with many dressing up for the Christmas theme. A warm and hearty winter meal of ham, turkey, chicken and all the trimmings were on the menu (thank you catering staff), including Christmas pudding with brandy sauce and a festive apple and ginger spiced punch. Our resi’s are happy to share their recipe below.
Apple and Ginger Spiced Punch.
- 1 bottle of apple juice (1 litre)
- 2 cans of ginger beer
- 1 cup of black tea infused with star anise, cinnamon sticks and cloves
Strain the cooled tea and combine all ingredients. Add sliced orange to the punch bowl. Enjoy!
Please call us on 6028 0100 if you would like to arrange a catch up with your loved one.
Medical Centre boosts its staff
We are pleased to advise we have secured the services of another doctor to support our existing GP’s. Dr Emma Polkinghorne joins us at the end of July and will be working Tuesday afternoons and all-day Friday.
We also welcome Practice Manager Emma Akin to the group. Emma is an experienced medical practice manager, working in the local area for over 20 years. Please contact Emma if you have any questions or concerns regarding the practice.
Staff are following the strict guidelines regarding COVID-19 and appointments. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, please phone us – do not come into the Clinic. Appointments are available by phoning 6028 0130 or online at hotdoc.com.au. See website for details.
CARE Update
Unfortunately, due to the current visiting restrictions we have had to put on hold any plans regarding the opening up of the CARE Animal Sanctuary to residents and community. Our residents have had the pleasure of interacting with a few very cute guinea pigs recently though and they, along with the children at Little Yacks, certainly look forward to being a part of this wonderful initiative as plans progress.
Stage One of our landscaping is coming together at the rear of the facility, under the expert guidance of Paul Scannell, with major infrastructure now complete. Natural rock creek beds have been installed for water drainage, and a combination of native and exotic plant selection confirmed. We envisage this space to be a haven for insects and birds and a lovely spot to watch the world go by.
Special thanks to Paul for his dedication and enthusiasm for this part of the project – we really do appreciate his expertise and commitment.
Little Yacks Learning Years (LYLY)
LYLY continues to be receptive to the needs of our community.
It has been identified there is a real need for care for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 2 years. Significant upgrades are being made to sleeping spaces to accommodate this need. This area will provide a quiet, comfortable, and easily supervised space for infants and small children to rest and sleep.
We are excited to share the news that LYLY is now providing nutritious meals for the children, prepared in the Yack Health commercial kitchen. This service has been put in place as a result of parent feedback and consultation.
Children have been sharing these meals with their educators, exploring different tastes and textures. This fosters a sense of autonomy, allowing them to develop independence by participating in cleaning up, collecting dishes and becoming active members of the LYLY community. Meal menus will change with the seasons.
We are currently at capacity three days per week with some availability on the other two days. Director Sarah is happy to show families around our service and to answer any questions. Sarah is available on 60280188.